Saint-Georges-de-Luzençon lies at the foot of the Larzac plateau in the Cernon valley, a tributary of the Tarn. Between the limestone outcrop of Luzençon, historic buildings and several hiking trails, there are different ways to explore the village. When planning, it is especially helpful to distinguish trails by length and landscape: from a loop through the foothills of the Causses to longer routes with views of the Millau Viaduct.
Larzac, the Cernon and sweeping views
Luzençon is a limestone outcrop 583 metres high above Saint-Georges. From there, a 360-degree panorama extends towards Lévézou, the Tarn gorges, the Larzac and the Millau Viaduct. The viewpoint brings together different landscapes of the area in a single view.
Building history and heritage
The Chapelle de Luzençon dates from the 11th and 12th centuries; it was probably originally used as a castle chapel. Its features include red wall paintings, a stone gallery and burials dating from the 14th to the 17th centuries. The different periods make the chapel a particularly layered part of the village’s history.
The Ferme fortifiée des Brouzes is listed as a historic monument and now serves as a contemporary art centre. The rectangular fortified manor house has three courtyards, an arcaded loggia, vaulted wings and two towers. If you would like to visit the art centre, please check access in advance.
The surviving parts of Saint-Georges’ fortifications also tell the story of its architecture. The Tour de Jacques is the remaining round tower of a complex that once had three towers. Two of the three gates have survived: Lou Grand Portal and the Portalou, also known as the Porte Ancienne.
At the Château de Saint-Geniez de Bertrand, the façades and roofs, along with the chapel, are listed as monuments; the chapel is now used as a parish church. The listing was made by decree dated 12 July 1978. The walls of Combe-Laurence offer another glimpse into the area’s historic way of life: they were built over several centuries. Heat-retaining recesses were used to protect almond trees from spring frosts.
Choose hiking trails by length and landscape
The municipality lists six local hiking trails, Tracé No. 1 to Tracé No. 6; Tracé No. 5 was still being signposted. Check the current signage before setting out. Leaflets for the circular routes are available from the Saint-Georges-de-Luzençon town hall and the Millau tourist office; ask locally if needed to check availability.
The three trails offer different highlights: the 3 km Ferme des Lacs loop is described as a family hike through the foothills of the Causses. The 4 km Lavencou trail leads to a small, quiet spot by a stream where you can have a picnic. Les Mines de Séral is 5 km long, climbs onto the Larzac plateau and passes a site where a coal mine once stood. You can therefore choose between a loop described as a family hike, a trail with a picnic spot by a stream, and a route with a historical mining connection.
The 13 km Trace Verte connects the railway stations of Saint-Georges-de-Luzençon and Millau. It follows the Cernon stream and the meanders of the Tarn, offers views of the troglodyte village of Peyre and runs for part of the way at the foot of the Millau Viaduct. Sections close to the river may be affected by flooding. Check current trail conditions before setting out.
Another route leads from Saint-Geniez de Bertrand to Millau. It runs along the Larzac cliffs and offers views of the Millau Viaduct, the Cirque du Boundoulaou, the Lévézou mountains and the Tarn gorges. The route through the Tarn valley also passes La Vallée des Respirs, an installation featuring five platforms for taking in the landscape. Compared with the Trace Verte, its particular focus is on wide-ranging views and the landscape installation.
Discover more destinations: Quins, Cabanès, Najac, Montclar, Viala-du-Tarn, Brommat, Lavernhe, Salles-Curan.
For the general travel overview: Aveyron.
